Former Tory candidate for Colne Valley defects to Lib Dems

12.00.00am GMT Mon 7th Mar 2005

Amanda Harland, former Conservative Candidate for Colne Valley in West Yorkshire, has defected to the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Harland, who hopes to become a Liberal Democrat Councillor in the area, left the Conservatives claiming she had been subject to condescending treatment as a Conservative candidate, this included being instructed to highlight her hair and wear shorter skirts.

Ms Harland has committed to actively support the campaign of her former rival, Liberal Democrat Candidate Elisabeth Wilson. The defection will give a big boost to Mrs Wilson's campaign in the three way marginal seat of Colne Valley where the Liberal Democrats are currently 7,000 votes behind Labour.

Commenting on the switch Ms Harland said:

"Resigning from the Conservatives gave me the chance to reassess where I was within politics. When you look at the policies and stand back in an unbiased situation, you are able to take a decision. I realised I felt much closer to the Liberal Democrats."

Elisabeth Wilson, Liberal Democrat Candidate in Colne Valley, said:

"Ms Harland was a very credible and competent opponent and I welcome her commitment and skills into the Liberal Democrat Campaign. The move has taken a lot of courage from Amanda and I respect her decision to make the move and her reasons for doing so.

"Our campaign in Colne Valley was already making excellent progress and this gives us an additional boost. The Conservatives are now trying to put forward their third candidate for Colne Valley since the last election and their campaign is clearly in disarray. It will be the Liberal Democrats challenging Labour for the seat come the general election."